Member Reviews
Three fun stories by some of my most favorite Amish authors! AMISH BRIDES warmed my heart with every novella and left me very happy.
The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand
The Reluctant Groom had me sitting right at Felty and Anna’s kitchen table scheming with them as they try to help their great-grandson Aaron. He has been widowed for three years and refuses to shed his grief. Suvie, who is always cheerful and bossy, is just what he needs. He just doesn’t know it yet! Felty and Anna are one of my all time favorite couples in Amish fiction. No one can crack me up like these two can. The situations they create is quite hysterical and I always find myself laughing out loud. Not to mention the things that Anna cooks that everyone thinks is just horrible but they never say so as they would hurt her feelings. One that I can’t seem to get out of my head is potato raisin asparagus casserole. I mean, can you even imagine? Haha
Joshua’s Bride by Molly Jebber
While reading Joshua’s Bride I became emotionally invested in all of the characters. They are all flawed, real and lovable! Once I started reading, I was instantly hooked. I devoured every page and couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. Joshua is madly in love with Madeline, but because her sister went English she is being judged by her sister’s actions. It is almost liked she is being shunned, but hasn’t done anything wrong. A couple of the secondary characters drove me crazy but like Joshua, I tried to see the best in all of them. Madeline is very sweet and Joshua won my heart with the way he stands up for her. When Madeline’s sister leaves her out of wedlock child with Madeline, it changes everything. This is a great story about love and forgiveness.
A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard
Once I finished A Summer Wedding in Paradise I wanted more. Amy’s books always make me happy and leave me with a peaceful feeling. This is a funny tale of finding love. Reba is unsure of herself filling in as a teacher for her soon to be sister-in-law. When Abel Weaver’s buggy is out of control and she is plunged into a muddy ditch it only adds to her frustration. Abel had moved to the area after being jilted by his fiancé. Reba’s three little nieces were set on making their Aunt Reba happy. They just knew Abel would be the one to do this. What kind of funny situations will happen to create laughter and maybe some romance? Once I started reading I had a hard time putting it down as I had to know what was going to happen with Reba and Abel and if Reba would ever see what was right in front of her. Would she and Obie be able to remain friends?
I absolutely love Amish Christian Fiction. An excellent read by one of my favorites. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would recommend this book.
I received this from Netgalley as an ARC for an honest review.
#Amish Brides
by Jennifer Beckstrand; Molly Jebber; Amy Lillard #Net Galley
I enjoyed this book very much. I didn't want to put it down once I started it. I just love books like this.
This novella has 3 talented authors who bring each character to life with their struggles and makes you wonder what you would do in their situation to. A must read
"This was a very enjoyable read. My only complaint is that I wish they were full-length novels. These are three of my favorite authors and I've never read anything by them I didn't like. I enjoy Amish stories. I like the simplicity of life.
I really enjoyed the first story in this collection, but I wasn't crazy about the next two. For me, however, it was worth it to get another installment of Jennifer Beckstrand's Huckleberry Hill characters!
I loved these sweet stories about these Amish Brides. Even though the stories are novella length, each story seemed complete and the endings were not rushed. Every bride had her own personality. It would be hard for me to pick a favorite, but I had to laugh at Suvie’s story.
This book is perfect for those times you want something lighter and shorter to read. Excellent stories by excellent authors.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Sometimes you need to sit down and just enjoy an old friend. Amish Brides is just that kind of old friend. It's a collection of three novellas that I've read before, but reading them was like seeing a friend after being away for a long time. It doesn't take long to catch up with these old friends.
The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand stands up to Jennifer's general quality and it's always fun to see what's up Annie and Felty's sleeves.
Joshua's Bride by Molly Jebber is equally good and brings social problems into the mix
A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard is a lot of fun with two mischievous girls trying to play matchmaker.
There are laughs a plenty to be found here and a little bit of drama to make them worth reading.
Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a matchmaker to make you a match.
My thanks to Barbour Books who supplied the galley I read through NetGalley.com. The opinions stated here are my own.
Fun collection of Amish romance novellas leading to marriage. Each author adds her own unique writing style to the book that flows together well.
Amish Brides is a collection of three Amish stories by three different authors. The stories include:
The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand
Joshua's Bride by Molly Jebber
A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard
I enjoyed all three stories. My favorite is probably Molly Jebber's Joshua's Bride. I recommend this book for those who love sweet Amish short stories.
Four stars
Three great authors and three wonderful novellas about want to be Amish brides. All three stories were enjoyable and a great read especially for summer. Great to read on the beach!
All three stories are wonderfully written and very enjoyable. I have found a new author to start reading in Amy Lillard.
My favorite of the three stories is The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand, of course, as we venture back to Huckleberry Hill. How can you stay away from Anna and Felty? I think we all wish we had them in our lives at one time. Suvie is quite a pip and is a prefect friend for quirky Anna. With those two in charge you never know what is going to happen. Tighten your seat belts because you are in for a ride!
In Joshua's Bride by Molly Jeber, I was able to visit with the Amish of the 1800's which is not something I do very often. Your heart will go the sweetest of highs and the saddest of lows as Madeline tries to love her fiancé's family as they despise her at every turn.
Finally, in A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard we join feisty, independent Reba as she becomes the teacher for the last few weeks of school. A mishap that leaves her breathless is not just because she lands in the muddy ditch. It is a case of "those dastardly dimples". (My favorite line in the entire book). Will Reba succumb to the dimples or will she be able to wipe them right off Abel's face?
This book is perfect for the summer nights that you only have a few minutes here and there to read due to kids ball schedules, camps and etc. as the chapters are short and the stories are as well. Also a great book to wean your way into the Amish reading world if you have not done so.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for a free ARC for me to read and post a review based on my own honest opinion.
Amish Brides Is a great book for us Amish book lovers. It gives you three stories for you to fall in love with - and you will love them. You have loss of love, finding a second chance, judging people on something someone else does( Anyone have a sibling?), mistrust, match making, and GOD's intervention through it all - now who do you think will win the situations or GOD?
I really enjoyed this collection of three Amish wedding stories. The stories are short and sweet and this book is a perfect read during wedding season! All three of these authors were new to me but I enjoyed each story and would love to read more of their work. I highly recommend this book!
Amish Brides is a collection of three stories which really hit the love of marriage theme. I found once I started I didn't want to stop.
The Reluctant Groom brings back Anna and Felty. These two are grandparent and great grandparent matchmakers. They will not rest until all of their grandchildren and great grandchildren are happily married. The antics of Anna and Felty will definitely bring a smile to your face.
In Joshua's Bride, you follow Madeline Lehman & Joshua Stutzman. Joshua's parents are against their marriage. However, when a small bundle of love comes into their life, will these two find love?
A Summer Wedding in Paradise spunky Reba makes her debut. She is a delight to follow and you find yourself cheering her on to her one love. Will the three little matchmakers have guessed right in their match?
I received a copy through Netgalley. I review was not required.
Amish Brides is a selection of three Amish romances. Each selection is well written. I recommend this to fans of Amish fiction.
Amish Brides contains three stories by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber and Amy Lillard. The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand is set in Bonduel with Anna and Felty Helmuth. Suvie Newswenger visits Anna to request her assistance. Suvie has fallen for their great-grandson, Aaron Beachy who has yet to get over the loss of his wife three years prior. Anna and Felty are happy to assist Suvie with her request. The threesome set out one morning with a casserole (prepared by Anna), petunias and a knitted item. Is there a chance for this match or will Anna’s matchmaking streak come to an end? 5 stars
Joshua’s Bride by Molly Jebber takes us back to 1885 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Joshua Stutzman proposes to Madeline Lehman and she gladly accepts. Unfortunately, Joshua’s parents are unhappy with the match thanks to Madeline’s sister, Catherine who left the community and ended her relationship with Nathaniel, Joshua’s brother. One day Madeline hears a baby outside and finds one on the doorstep with Catherine running away. Catherine does not want the child nor does she know the father’s identity. Joshua accepts the baby in their life, but his family is incensed. The added tension affects Joshua’s relationship with his parents and brother. Madeline does not wish to come between Joshua and his family, so she calls off their wedding. What will it take for the Stutzman’s to realize the Madeline is not Catherine? 4 stars
A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard is set in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Reba Schmucker is on her way to the schoolhouse when a carriage with a runaway horse forces her into a wet, muddy ditch. Reba ends up filthy, dripping and with an injured ankle. She arrives at the schoolhouse to find out the driver is the repairman, Abel Weaver. Reba’s nieces want her to be happy like their father who is getting married thanks to their matchmaking efforts. The three girls decide to fix Reba up with Abel. Abel and Reba start spending time together, and Reba starts wearing boring clothes instead of her vibrant toned dresses to be more appealing. Will the girl’s matchmaking effort pay off? 4 stars
Amish Brides contains three well-written stories that are entertaining to read. My favorite story is The Reluctant Groom. I love Anna and Felty Helmuth (great characters) and their antics. I giggled frequently while reading it, and I was left with a happy feeling when I finished The Reluctant Groom. Joshua’s Bride is a well-constructed story that is more serious than The Reluctant Groom. It is about not judging others based on their family members. It shows us the importance of love, forgiveness, the power of prayer, faith and believing in God’s will. In Amy Lillard’s A Summer Wedding in Paradise, I liked Reba Schmucker. She is a sassy, independent woman who loved bright, bold colors and pushing boundaries. The story has a good message. It reminds us to be ourselves which can be hard to remember in our society. The little girls were adorable and their capers provided me with some chuckles. The Christian element is light yet powerful. Amish Brides contains three inviting novels that I give 4.5 out of 5 stars.
This delightful trio of stories will warm your heart and make you smile! From Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, and Amy Lillard is definitely a winner. I had so much fun reading it. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I laughed out loud. My kids were looking at me funny because I laughed so much! I would definitely recommend it. It is well worth the read!
The first story is The Reluctant Groom. It was probably my favorite of the three. I recently discovered Beckstrand’s books and they are fantastic. I really enjoy reading about Anna and Felty, the matchmaking grandparents! They never fail to bring a smile or two (or more!). This story was no different. Suvie is a spirited young lady who loves to speak her mind and boss people around. She really wants widower Aaron to take notice and realize that she can help heal his heart. With Anna and Felty’s help, can she manage it? Or will she just remind him of all he has lost?
In the second story, Joshua’s Bride, Maddie is worried that her fiancé Joshua’s family will never accept her. They harbor bitter feelings towards her family because her sister jilted their other son. But Joshua is determined to marry her and Maddie longs to be his wife. This book is more serious but I did enjoy it as well! Can Maddie and Joshua overcome the ties of family or will his family pull them apart?
The final story is A Summer Wedding in Paradise. When Reba and Abel meet, it is definitely not love at first sight. Problem after problem seems to keep them at odds, not the least of which is Reba’s broken ankle and Abel’s broken heart. However, her nieces seem to think that the two of them would make a perfect match. Can three young girls change the hearts of Reba and Abel? Or will they allow their beginning to spoil their ending?
I truly had a great time reading these. I am a fan of Amish fiction and these did not disappoint. I would highly recommend them! I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are purely my own.
A lovely collection of sweet, Amish love and marriage stories. Three stories by three different authors will warm your heart all the way through ! I particularly liked the first story, THE RELUCTANT GROOM by Jennifer Beckstrand. Ms. Beckstrand's story was beautifully written as well as endearing and captivating! All of the sweet stories are excellent and I feel sure that readers will love this book as they visit the Amish American culture.
Amish Brides by Jennifer Beckstrand will be available May 29, 2018 from Kensington Books. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
These are three of my favorite Amish authors! The stories were each different and unique. All very entertaining and such that you didn't want to stop reading till the end.
I love Jennifer Beckstrand's humor in her story, using the wonderful matchmaker characters of her Huckleberry Hill series.
I enjoyed Molly Jebber's contribution, Joshua's Bride, which brought in a historical Amish story from the 1880's which gives a more earlier time period with it's views and feelings. I loved how this story had a great theme of healing and forgiving and learning to accept people for themselves and not those who surround their lives.
Amy Lillard's A Summer in Paradise, starts out with a bang, literally as Reba finds herself in a bad way after nearly being hit by a passing buggy. And finding herself the subject of a match-making plan which is definitely not wanted.
Loved these three in a nicely combined book. Great stories for any Amish reader. You will love these.
I received an ebook copy from NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given. All thoughts are my own.